Brady Martin shone as one of the purest power forwards in the OHL while playing with the Soo Greyhounds. He was a problem for opposing teams all season long, acting as one of the hardest-hitting and hardest-working forwards in the league.
Date of Birth: March 16, 2007
Birthplace: Elmira, Ontario
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 186 lbs.
Position: Centre
Shoots: Right
Team: Soo Greyhounds (OHL)
Martin is a fast, high-energy hitting machine who combines tremendous effort with good instincts and solid decision-making. He put on 10 pounds this season with the Greyhounds, silencing many of the doubts about his weight, and his improvement throughout the season was noticeable to scouts. He also impressed at the U18s, playing a crucial role for Canada.
Strengths
Martin’s list of strengths is long, but none stand out more than his physicality. He is a ferocious physical customer, setting out to cause pain on every shift. His skating is adequate, and though it may lack some separation speed, once he gets going he flies around the ice like a turbocharged battering ram. He hits with purpose and intent and is a nightmare for his opposition when forechecking.
He is an accomplished two-way player with solid defensive instincts. He plays a structured game and doesn’t take unnecessary risks in any zone of the ice. He has a good stick, which he uses to cut passing lanes in the neutral zone, and he is one of the best backcheckers in the draft. He’s dedicated defensively and doesn’t overextend himself in the offensive zone. He loves hitting, but he isn’t reckless; he picks appropriate times and knocks adversaries into next week.
His shot is solid but isn’t incredible. It’s hard and has a consistent release but lacks the diversity to be seriously dangerous in the NHL. If he has time and space, he’s burying it almost every time, making him a serious asset on the power play, especially when paired with his skill in puck retrieval. Martin is also a solid passer, especially with quick, one-touch plays. He’s effective making plays below the goal line, and is an asset on the rush.
Where he truly shines above the rest of the draft class is in his effort. He doesn’t out-skill his opponents, he out-hustles and outworks them. The details of his game are fantastic. Backchecking, forechecking, along the boards, in the corners, and in front of the net, he excels in all the toughest areas on the ice.
Weaknesses
His playmaking vision is the weakest part of his game. He has a tendency to rush plays instead of finding the best option. He’s very patient when looking to shoot, but when looking to pass he makes his move too quickly, wasting potential opportunities. It’s not necessarily panic, but he opts to make the first play instead of the best play.
His size isn’t a weakness, but at 186 pounds, he could use another 10 pounds if he wants to play his game in the NHL. He’s not too small for the league, but if Martin wants to fly around and cause serious damage, some extra weight would go a long way.
His skating also isn’t really a weakness, but he does lack true separation speed. He’s not going to pick someone’s pocket and dust defenders, but once he’s at speed he’s dangerous.
Rankings
Elite Prospects: #12
FC Hockey: #14
Hockey Prospect: #24
McKeen’s: #10
Bob McKenzie (TSN): #13
Corey Pronman (The Athletic): #10
Projection
Brady Martin is a gamer. He projects to be a high-energy middle-six forward that every playoff team would want on its roster. Hard in the corners, tough in front of the net, and dedicated defensively, he has a tool set every coach dreams of. His floor is low, but I think he’s almost guaranteed to be an NHLer. His skill set and mentality would thrive in an NHL bottom six after a summer of working out.
He plays a very traditional game. He’s without bells and whistles but has just enough skill to be truly dangerous. I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes in the top 10 as probably the purest power forward in the draft, and his physical mentality is something that can’t be taught.
If everything falls into place, Martin could make an excellent complementary piece on a second line, but he probably won’t ever be a top-six line-driver. Overall, he’s an excellent player whom every team picking 10-20 should have circled on their board.
